William B. Bandell

William B. Bandell, 80, of La Crosse, WI., died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Brookdale Assisted Living in La Crosse.  Bill was born in Black River Falls, WI., on October 14, 1941 to Forrest and Beatrice (Kersting) Bandell.

For several years he worked at the Box Factory in Black River Falls. Together with his mother, Bill helped care for a niece and nephew while their father served in the military. Later, Bill moved to La Crosse and worked at Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Home where he met his wife Kathryn Melby. They were united in marriage on August 4, 1979.

During their married life Bill worked as a custodian at Dayton’s, Olive Garden and Hillview Nursing Home. He and his wife Kathy had dogs most of their married life and all of them were loved and given special attention by Bill. He spent countless hours doing word searches and reading about our countries history as well as visiting historical sites. Spending time with family was very important to Bill. He made every effort to attend special family events.

For several years Bill was an active member and janitor of Temple Baptist Church.  His faith was very important to him and even with failing health and confinement to a wheelchair, he attended church whenever he could on Sunday morning.

Bill is survived by his wife Kathryn of La Crosse, brothers Ronald Bandell of Osseo, WI., John Bandell of Bossier City, LA., Howard (Lillian) Bandell of Lawrence Ville, GA., Roger (Pat) Bandell of Crystal, MN., mother-in-law Ellen Melby of La Crosse, sister in law Kristine (Daniel) Meyer of Phelps, WI., several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews, several cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, his sisters Donna Bandell, Beverly Poff, brother-in-law Gilbert Poff, sisters in law Susan Bandell and Linda Bandell and father-in-law Walter Melby.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, October 10, 2022 at Temple Baptist Church. Pastor Daniel Habegger will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls. Friends may call on the family at the church on Monday morning from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Temple Baptist Church or the Coulee Region Humane Society.